Jude Harrington crouched on the sidelines, his muscles stretching and rippling as he warmed up for the game. The roar of the crowd and the occasional clack of cleats against the concrete were familiar sounds, but today, the field felt different. Maybe it was the crisp autumn air or the way the setting sun bathed everything in a golden glow. Either way, his anticipation was high, and he was ready.

He glanced over toward the edge of the field where the trainers were setting up their equipment. Annabel Cooper had just arrived, her russet hair bouncing lightly with each step. She wore her usual elegant attire, though it was practical for her role—her crisp blouse and sensible shoes a stark contrast to the football gear sprawled around. Jude couldn’t help but smile as he noticed her. After a month of seeing her at practices and games, her presence had become a comforting constant.

He jogged over to where she stood, her hazel eyes scanning the field with a mix of concentration and curiosity.

“Hey, Annabel!” he called out, his grin spreading wide. “Ready for another exciting game? You’ve been a good luck charm for us so far.”